An alternative approach for estimating above ground biomass using Resourcesat-2 satellite data and artificial neural network in Bundelkhand region of India

Determination of above ground biomass (AGB) of any forest is a longstanding scientific endeavor, which helps to estimate net primary productivity, carbon stock and other biophysical parameters of that forest. With advancement of geospatial technology in last few decades, AGB estimation now can be done using space-borne and airborne remotely sensed data. It is a well-established, time saving and cost effective technique with high precision and is frequently applied by the scientific community. It involves development of allometric equations based on correlations of ground-based forest biomass measurements with vegetation indices derived from remotely sensed data. However, selection of the best-fit and explanatory models of biomass estimation often becomes a difficult proposition with respect to the image data resolution (spatial and spectral) as well as the sensor platform position in space. Using Resourcesat-2 satellite data and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), this pilot scale study compared traditional linear and nonlinear models with an artificial intelligence-based non-parametric technique, i.e. artificial neural network (ANN) for formulation of the best-fit model to determine AGB of forest of the Bundelkhand region of India. The results confirmed the superiority of ANN over other models in terms of several statistical significance and reliability assessment measures. Accordingly, this study proposed the use of ANN instead of traditional models for determination of AGB and other bio-physical parameters of any dry deciduous forest of tropical sub-humid or semi-arid area. In addition, large numbers of sampling sites with different quadrant sizes for trees, shrubs, and herbs as well as application of LiDAR data as predictor variable were recommended for very high precision modelling in ANN for a large scale study.

ZnO-Nanowires-Coated Smart Surface Mesh with Reversible Wettability for Efficient On-Demand Oil/Water Separation

The rapid industrial growth has led to the large production of oily wastewater. Treatment of oily wastewater is an inevitable challenge to manage the greater demand of clean water for the rapidly growing population and economy. In the present work, we have developed a smart surface mesh with reversible wetting properties via a simple, ecofriendly, and scalable approach for on-demand oil-water separation. ZnO nanowires (NWs) obtained from the chemical vapor deposition method were coated on a stainless steel (SS) mesh. The as-synthesized ZnO-NWs-coated mesh shows superhydrophilic/underwater superoleophobic behavior. This mesh works in "water-removing" mode, where the superhydrophilic as well as underwater superoleophobic nature allows the water to permeate easily through the mesh while preventing oil. The wetting property of ZnO-NWs-coated mesh can be switched easily from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic state and vice versa by simply annealing it at 300 °C alternatively under hydrogen and oxygen environment. The separation is solely driven by gravity. Thus, the reversible wettability of ZnO NWs provides a smart surface mesh which can be switched between "oil-removing" and "water-removing" modes. It was found that for more than 10 cycles of mesh reutilization in both modes alternatively, the separation efficiency of 99.9% stayed relatively invariant, indicating a prolonged antifouling property and excellent recyclability. This work provides a simple, fast, cost-effective, and on-demand solution for oily wastewater treatment and opens up new perspectives in the field of controllable oil-water separation.

Antimicrobial Properties of Teas and Their Extracts in vitro

Tea has recently received the attention of pharmaceutical and scientific communities due to the plethora of natural therapeutic compounds. As a result, numerous researches have been published in a bid to validate their biological activity. Moreover, major attention has been drawn to antimicrobial activities of tea. Being rich in phenolic compounds, tea has the preventive potential for colon, esophageal, and lung cancers, as well as urinary infections and dental caries, among others. The venture of this review was to illustrate the emerging findings on the antimicrobial properties of different teas and tea extracts, which have been obtained from several in vitro studies investigating the effects of these extracts against different microorganisms. Resistance to antimicrobial agents has become an increasingly important and urgent global problem. The extracts of tea origin as antimicrobial agents with new mechanisms of resistance would serve an alternative way of antimicrobial chemotherapy targeting the inhibition of microbial growth and the spread of antibiotic resistance with potential use in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries.

Utilization of services for institutional deliveries in Gorkha District

BACKGROUND

Adequate health services for improving maternal and neonatal health is an important global health issues. Institutional delivery is most important component to address maternal and neonatal issue. Institutional delivery service utilization assures safe birth and minimizes the maternal morbidity and mortality. This study was aimed to assess the utilization of institutional delivery service among the mothers of Gorkha district.

METHODS

A cross sectional study of 180 mothers having child below 2 years residing in Palungtar municipality was done between March to July 2015. Information was collected by using an interviewer administered semi-structured questionnaire. Chi-square test was used to for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of total, 93.3% of the mother gave birth to their current child at health institution. The study variables like age at marriage, knowledge on delivery incentive, long waiting hours at health facility, Information on maternal health before current pregnancy, age at first pregnancy, gestational age at first ANC visit and women knowing differences between home and institutional delivery were independent factors influencing utilization of institutional delivery service.

CONCLUSIONS

Promotion of information, education and communication on maternal health services and delivery incentives could result in utilization of institutional delivery services.

Comparative study of immediate functional loading and immediate non-functional loading of monocortical implants

BACKGROUND

Attempts to shorten the overall length of treatment have focused on immediate loading, subsequent to implant placement. Prosthetic rehabilitation immediately after implant placement can be either functional or non-functional in nature. There is paucity of literature on the comparative evaluation of immediate functional and immediate non-functional loading of implants. This in-vivo study was undertaken to comparatively evaluate Immediate Functional Loading and Immediate Non-Functional Loading of monocortical implants with a follow-up period of 18 months.

METHODS

50 partially edentulous cases were selected for the study. The cases were divided into two groups. In first group (Group-1), 25 implants were subjected to immediate functional loading. In second group (Group-2), 25 implants were subjected to immediate non-functional loading. The crestal bone loss, clinical stability and degree of osseointegration of these two groups were comparatively evaluated.

RESULTS

The crestal bone loss in both groups was within acceptable limits. The implant stability, which is a reflection of the status of bone-to-implant interface, was comparable in both the groups at different time intervals. Although, the ISQ values in Group-2 were slightly higher than those in Group-1, the results were not statistically significant. Radiodensity indicating degree of osseointegration at different time intervals in both groups was also comparable.

CONCLUSION

Both the IFL and INFL protocols can be undertaken satisfactorily in rehabilitation using endosseous implants; however, the main factors for success in IFL and INFL are case selection, meticulous treatment planning and the precision of technique.

Greenhouse gases emission from soils under major crops in Northwest India

Quantification of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from agriculture is necessary to prepare the national inventories and to develop the mitigation strategies. Field experiments were conducted during 2008-2010 at the experimental farm of the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, India to quantify nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from soils under cereals, pulses, millets, and oilseed crops. Total cumulative N2O emissions were significantly different (P>0.05) among the crop types. Emission of N2O as percentage of applied N was the highest in pulses (0.67%) followed by oilseeds (0.55%), millets (0.43%) and cereals (0.40%). The emission increased with increasing rate of N application (r(2)=0.74, P<0.05). The cumulative flux of CH4 from the rice crop was 28.64±4.40 kg ha(-1), while the mean seasonal integrated flux of CO2 from soils ranged from 3058±236 to 3616±157 kg CO2 ha(-1) under different crops. The global warming potential (GWP) of crops varied between 3053 kg CO2 eq. ha(-1) (pigeon pea) and 3968 kg CO2 eq. ha(-1) (wheat). The carbon equivalent emission (CEE) was least in pigeon pea (833 kg C ha(-1)) and largest in wheat (1042 kg C ha(-1)). The GWP per unit of economic yield was the highest in pulses and the lowest in cereal crops. The uncertainties in emission values varied from 4.6 to 22.0%. These emission values will be useful in updating the GHGs emission inventory of Indian agriculture.

Potential of native shrubs Haloxylon salicornicum and Calligonum Polygonoides for restoration of degraded lands in Arid Western Rajasthan, India

Shrub-induced soil property spatial heterogeneity is common in arid and semi-arid ecosystems and aids desertified land restoration. However, the effectiveness of this technique may rely on the plant species used and the habitat conditions present. To assess the degree to which planting two native species, Haloxylon salicornicum and Calligonum polygonoides, facilitates degraded land restoration, soil and herbaceous plant community properties were measured 7 years after planting. Soil samples were extracted at two depths (0-5 and 5-20 cm) from three sub-habitats, i.e., under the shrub canopy, from alleys between shrubs and from the open area. Shrub planting increased the quantity of silt + clay content (30-39 %); enhanced water holding capacities (24-30 %); increased the levels of organic carbon (48-69 %), available nitrogen (31-47 %), available phosphorus (32-41 %), and electrical conductivity (21-33 %); and decreased the pH (7-12 %) and bulk density levels (5-6 %) in the surface layer of soils beneath the canopy. Soil property changes were more significant at the surface (0-5 cm) than in the deeper layer (5-20 cm), and were more pronounced under H. salicornicum than under C. polygonoides. Furthermore, the density and biomass levels of herbaceous plants were 1.1 to 1.2 and 1.4 to 1.6 times greater, respectively, in the shrub alleys than in open area. H. salicornicum induced more robust soil amelioration and herbaceous plant facilitative properties than did C. polygonoides. Artificially planting these shrubs may thus be employed to restore degraded areas of arid regions.

Poland's syndrome with unusual hand and chest anomalies: a rare case report

Poland's syndrome is a rare congenital anomaly consisting of a unilateral absence of the pectoralis major, ipsilateral muscle, hand anomaly and occasionally associated other malformations of the chest wall and breast. Many structural and functional abnormalities have been described in association with this syndrome. We report an incidentally diagnosed case in a 27-year-old male patient who presented to us with symbrachydactyly. In addition to this, anterior depression of 2nd, 3rd and 4th ribs and bifid (forked) 5th rib was present on radiological investigations. The body of sternum was short and deformed on the right side with absence of xiphoid process. All middle phalanges were absent on righthand. It is a rare variant of Poland's syndrome.

Clinical evaluation of Lekhaniya Kashaya Vasti in the management of Sthaulya (obesity)

BACKGROUND

Obesity is considered the world's oldest metabolic disorder. It is not a single disease entity, but a syndrome with many causes including combination of genetic, nutritional and sociological factors. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers obesity as "Insidious, creeping pandemic which is now engulfing the entire world". Diet and life-style play a significant role both in the development and control of obesity Sthaulya (obesity). In Ayurveda, Acharyas have mentioned about the use of Lekhaniya Vasti to manage the Sthaulya.

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy of Lekhaniya Kashaya Vasti in patients of Sthaulya.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 70 patients of Sthaulya were registered. Further they were divided into 2 groups each having 35 patients. In Group I (Lekhaniya Kashaya Vasti) group out of 35 patients 32 and in Group II (Pathya) group out of 35 patients 33 completed the follow-up.

RESULTS

In Group I, mean change was observed in body mass index (P < 0.001), waist hip ratio (P < 0.001). Overweight (P < 0.001), Kshudraswas (breathlessness) (P < 0.001) and Nidraadhikyata (excessive sleep) (P < 0.001) which is statistically significant in comparison with Group II.

CONCLUSION

Trial drug is very good combination for Medoghna activity.

Role of the faecolith in modern-day appendicitis

Introduction

The prevailing view on appendicitis is that the main aetiology is obstruction owing to faecoliths in adults and lymphoid hyperplasia in children. Faecoliths on imaging studies are believed to correlate well with appendicitis.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 1,014 emergency appendicectomy patients between 2001 and 2011. Faecolith prevalence in adult and paediatric appendicectomy specimens with and without perforation was studied. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of computed tomography (CT) for identifying faecoliths in the pathology specimen were examined.

Results

Overall, faecoliths were found in 18.1% (178/986) of appendicitis specimens and 28.6% (8/28) of negative appendicectomies. Faecolith prevalence for positive cases was 29.9% (79/264) in paediatric patients and 13.7% (99/722) in adults (p<0.05). Faecolith prevalence was 39.4% in perforated appendicitis but only 14.6% in non-perforated appendicitis (p<0.05). In adults, faecolith prevalence was 27.5% in perforated appendicitis and 12.0% in non-perforated appendicitis (p<0.05) while in paediatric patients, it was 56.1% in perforated appendicitis and 22.7% in non-perforated appendicitis (p=0.00). Sensitivity and PPV of preoperative CT in identifying faecoliths on pathology were 53.1% (86/162) and 44.8% (86/192) respectively.

Conclusions

Faecolith prevalence is too low to consider the faecolith the most common cause of non-perforated appendicitis. Faecoliths are more prevalent in paediatric appendicitis than in adult appendicitis. Preoperative CT is an unreliable predictor of faecoliths in pathology specimens.

Chemical and genetic diversity among some wild stands of Calligonum polygonoides (Polygonaceae) from the Thar Desert of Rajasthan

The arid Western Rajasthan, where the Thar Desert of India is immersed, is mostly covered by sand dunes, a common landscape. The region has confronted with fragilities of natural resources, low, erratic and ill-distributed rainfall, and is covered up with many perennial hardy shrubs. Calligonumpolygonoides, the most common perennial shrub, is widely present in some localities of this Thar Desert. In this study, we evaluated the diversity present among 54 wild Calligonum polygonoides plants, sampled from eight different locations within the Thar Desert. Our methods included chemical/nutritional characteristics and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). Both chemical and molecular methods produced wider range of diversity, however, RAPD detected comparatively more diversity. A total of 163 band positions were produced by ten RAPD primers, of which 147 were found polymorphic with 90.18% polymorphism. RAPD-based Jaccard's similarity coefficients ranged from 0.43-0.89. The analysis of various chemical and mineral constituents revealed that phog is an excellent source of calcium, potassium and phosphorous while relatively poor in zinc. Among minerals, average potassium content was found maximum (2 430mg/100g) with 0.14 CV. Zinc was observed comparably less in quantity while highest variable with CV 0.73. The chemical-based Manhattan dissimilarity coefficient values ranged from 0.01-0.22 with an average of 0.12. The comparison of the clusters obtained based on the chemical and mineral parameters with those of the RAPD data showed that the groups formed in both cases showed different patterns of relationships among the samples. Broader range of diversity might be due to the out breeding behavior of C. polygonoides and indicates the good adaptability of the plants in the region studied. However, low diversity observed in the Bikaner province is alarming and suggests that anthropogenic activities leading to heavy population disturbances can affect the genetic composition of the species in a considerable way.

Flexible denture base material: A viable alternative to conventional acrylic denture base material

Although clinician's skills and experience play a major role in designing and fabrication of the optimum prosthodontic restorations, the selection of denture resins is equally important, especially when the patient has been using the prostheses since long. Eighteen cases who were not satisfied with their conventional acrylic dentures were selected. They were provided flexible dentures along with a questionnaire to precisely evaluate the advantages of new material. Prosthodontic planning & observations regarding this material are discussed on various parameters.

Aesthetic and functional rehabilitation of a case of mutilated dentition and loss of vertical dimensions

Cases of severe attrition are a common finding in daily clinical practice. Attrition leads to loss of vertical dimension, chewing inefficiency and poor esthetics. These cases require complete oral rehabilitation which can be successfully achieved by a systematic approach integrating various concepts of prosthodontics. The primary aim of such complex treatment modalities is to regain the lost function, esthetics, comfort and confidence for the patient. The following case report describes the complete oral rehabilitation of a patient diagnosed of mutilated dentition and reduced vertical dimensions due to severe attrition. A detailed treatment plan was chalked out which included institution of proper oral hygiene measures, extraction of teeth with poor prognosis, restoration of carious teeth, endodontic treatment for carious teeth with periapical involvement. This was followed by foundation restorations of teeth that were crucial for the final prostheses. Patient was given transitional restorations for about 6 weeks with the aim of regaining the lost vertical dimensions. Final rehabilitation was done by fixed dental prostheses.

Flexible and mechanical strain resistant large area SERS active substrates

We report a cost effective and facile way to synthesize flexible, uniform, and large area surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates using an oblique angle deposition (OAD) technique. The flexible SERS substrates consist of 1 μm long, tilted silver nanocolumnar films deposited on flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) sheets using OAD. The SERS enhancement activity of these flexible substrates was determined using 10(-5) M trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl) ethylene (BPE) Raman probe molecules. The in situ SERS measurements on these flexible substrates under mechanical (tensile/bending) strain conditions were performed. Our results show that flexible SERS substrates can withstand a tensile strain (ε) value as high as 30% without losing SERS performance, whereas the similar bending strain decreases the SERS performance by about 13%. A cyclic tensile loading test on flexible PDMS SERS substrates at a pre-specified tensile strain (ε) value of 10% shows that the SERS intensity remains almost constant for more than 100 cycles. These disposable and flexible SERS substrates can be integrated with biological substances and offer a novel and practical method to facilitate biosensing applications.

Dimensional Accuracy of Castings Fabricated with Ring-less and Metal Ring Investment Systems for Implant Supported Fixed Dental Prosthesis: An In-vitro Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

The ring-less investment system is in use for dental casting, although there was no adequate scientific data to support its use either for conventional fixed dental prosthesis or implant retained fixed dental prosthesis.

METHODS

An in-vitro study was undertaken to compare the vertical marginal accuracy of single full coverage metal restorations, between ring-less and metal ring investment techniques, using two different investment materials, for implant supported fixed dental prosthesis. Three groups were made of ten samples each. Group I consisted of metal ring with PCT® FlexVest (phosphate bonded investment material). Group II consisted of metal ring with Bellasun® investment material. Group III and the final group consisted of ring-less investment system and Bellasun® investment material. The wax patterns were prepared on a metal die, cast and finished. The cast restorations (samples) were again seated on the metal die and the accuracy of fit was evaluated by measuring the gap between the finish line on the die and the margins of the sample at four specific sites using a profile projector (Helios-350H, Microtecnica, LTF, Italy) having accuracy of 1µm.

RESULT

Mean marginal accuracy for Group-III was found to be the least (58.87 +17.87 µm) followed by Group-II (97.23 + 16.37 µm), and Group-I (109 + 7.55 µm). However, Group I showed the least variability among the readings (SD=7.55).

CONCLUSION

Ring-less system of casting can be recommended for use in fabricating implant supported fixed dental restorations.

A snapshot of the biodiversity and clustering of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Oman using spoligotyping

SETTINGS

National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory, Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Oman.

OBJECTIVE

To use spoligotyping to explore the genetic population structure and clustering of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates among nationals and immigrants in Oman.

METHODS

Using spoligotyping, we characterised all available isolates from 2007, and randomly selected isolates from 2005 and 2006. A total of 312 clinical isolates from the same number of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis (TB) in 2005-2007 were included in the study.

RESULTS

Of 312 isolates, 69% were in clusters ranging from 2 to 38 isolates. The proportion of clustering was 58% among 2005-2006 samples and 67% among 2007 samples, with higher clustering among Omanis than among immigrants. The study showed that M. tuberculosis Indian family lineages, CAS1_Delhi, CAS and EAI5 were the predominant strains. Around 50% of the immigrants shared strains with Omanis. Twelve of the 19 INH-monoresistant strains and the two multidrug-resistant strains were in clusters (P = 0.81).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the predominance in Oman of the strain family commonly found on the Indian sub-continent. A high proportion of immigrant strains were in the same clusters as Omani strains. To better ascertain the transmission dynamics of M. tuberculosis, we recommend that stringent molecular and conventional epidemiological methods be applied.

Evolution of imaging for abdominal perforation

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal (GI) perforation is a common surgical presentation. In recent years, computed tomography (CT) has been shown to be accurate for predicting the site of GI perforation, and has become the investigation of choice. However the signs may be subtle or only indirectly related to the site or aetiology of perforation.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A MEDLINE and PubMed search was performed for journals before June 2009 with MeSH major terms 'CT' and 'perforation'. Non-English speaking literature was excluded.

RESULTS

Examples of GI perforation of various aetiologies are reviewed (inflammatory, neoplastic, traumatic and iatrogenic) high-lighting characteristic CT appearances as well as pitfalls in diagnosis. Features of perforation include the presence of free gas or fluid within the supra- and/or inframesocolic compartments, segmental bowel wall thickening, bowel wall discontinuity, stranding of the mesenteric fat and abscess formation.

CONCLUSIONS

These differentiating features facilitate accurate multidisciplinary pre-operative evaluation, necessary to plan patient management and potential surgical approach.

Mechanical characteristics of silicon nanostructures using force distance spectroscopy

Experimental studies were undertaken to determine mechanical stiffness of Si chevron nanostructures grown by glancing angle deposition. Atomic force microscope based force-distance spectroscopy was performed on two types of chevron structures. The average stiffness of four-armed chevrons was found to be 381 +/- 16 Nm(-1), while that of five-armed chevrons was determined to be 375 +/- 23 Nm(-1). Simulations using finite element modeling were carried out to understand the mechanical characteristics of chevrons. For the nanostructures investigated in the present study, the simulation results indicate that while five-armed chevrons behave as springs, the four-armed chevrons act as cantilevers. It is shown that the position of loading point, physical dimensions and the geometry of the chevron control the overall mechanical response of chevron structures when subjected to an external load. It is proposed that by controlling the deposition parameters in glancing angle deposition, the topography of the structures and hence the position of loading points can be manipulated to generate a desirable mechanical response.

In depth analysis of motivational factors at work in the health industry

BACKGROUND

Motivation of health workers is necessary to generate the organizational commitment towards the patients and the hospital and therefore the knowledge about what motivates and satisfies them is very essential.The aim of the project was to investigate and analyze the various factors that help in motivation of the health workers while performing their clinical duties in the hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A simple random study was conducted among 100 employees of our institute, which included doctors, staff nurses and paramedical staff. One hundred employees from Gian Sagar Institute were chosen randomly for the purpose of our study. All the employees were enquired by the questionnaire method as well as by individual interviews regarding the various motivating and demotivating factors at the work place. Detailed enquiries were performed regarding the various aspects concerning the job factors and work satisfaction. All the answers and findings were observed and recorded.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Simple non-parametric tests like mean, percentages and chi square tests were employed to analyze the data.The demographic profile of all the employees showed only minor differences which were statistically non-significant. Skills, task identity, task significance, autonomy, feedback, environment, job security and compensation were observed to be the important factors for the motivation of employees. The depth and the extent to which these factors were studied at work in the hospital showed remarkable differences.

CONCLUSION

All the factors studied in this project are essential basis for organizational commitment, but feedback represents the factor with the highest motivation potential especially among the younger population.

Socio-cultural aspects of the high masculinity ratio in India

The paper aims to explicate those factors accountable for the continuing imbalance in the sex ratio and its further masculinization over the whole of the 20th century. Here it is contended that the traditional practice of female infanticide and the current practice of female foeticide in the contemporary period, especially in the north-west and Hindi-speaking states, have significantly contributed to the high masculinity ratio in India. In addition, increasingly higher survival ratios of male children, particularly from the 1951 census onward, have been the prime reason for a declining proportion of females in the Indian population. As the Indian value system has been imbued with a relatively higher preference for sons, improvements in health facilities have benefited males more than females, giving rise to a highly imbalanced sex ratio in the country. This scenario, however, has steadily tended to alter in favour of greater balance in sex ratio.

Tunable synthesis of indium oxide octahedra, nanowires and tubular nanoarrow structures under oxidizing and reducing ambients

We report the effect of oxidizing and reducing ambients on the growth of indium oxide (IO) nanostructures in the vapor phase evaporation method. Our results show that the oxidizing reagent, water, results in the growth of IO nanowires and preserves the In/O stoichiometry throughout the length of the nanowires. The reducing reagent, ethanol, makes the growth environment indium rich, resulting in the growth of indium-filled IO tubular nanoarrow structures. The growth of solid IO nanowires is attributed to a vapor-liquid-solid mechanism, whereas for indium-filled tubular nanoarrow structures a modified bottom-vapor-solid growth mechanism is proposed. The tunable synthesis of IO nanostructures in different morphologies with correction of their stoichiometry may have potential applications in future nanodevices.